We had zero chicks at Loch Garten nest this summer, so there are none to follow this winter. EJ and Odin have migrated south and with neither tagged we cannot follow them. Sadly, we have lost Breagha, the last tagged LG offspring. Once again a healthy Loch Garten chick is “lost contact, presumed dead”. Even the camera is away for the winter. Thus we have lost all contact with the Loch Garten nest. For the first time since I found EJ and the Loch Garten nest, there is NOTHING LEFT. Nothing left, that is, except HOPE for a better season in 1916.
On this note of hope I will maintain The Gabfest in a semi-retired state. Thus we will be open for any osprey news which comes through, whether it be from UK or USA or Africa. Also any bird or wildlife photos or news are always appreciated here.
Over Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Eve some may wish to share photos of their cakes, Christmas Trees and/or some music videos. Winter gardening, trains, anything goes here on the Gabfest that anyone wants to talk about.
So if anyone cares to come in for a wee chat, the Gabfest may be sleeping, but it is open.
58willow - Waiting for the download from LDOP to say he has arrived in Bioko Island - EG and I will be happy. The team I am working with in Skopje this week are all rotational in Malabo and I will join them probably in January for a particular project. I was fortunate in March 2014 with great assistance from LDOP but unfortunate last February when I was on the Island.
I can not say much as Bioko is the most sensitive area I do visit for particular reasons that would put the bird at risk - if you wish I will write to you regarding this as I know you take a particular interest in this osprey.
I have blue flowered plant Ive had for years but do not know what it is absolutely no idea, but the bumble bees love it! They push the petals apart with their arms and stuff themselves into the flower and fascinating to watch!
I don't know either, Willow, but they are beautiful. What time of year do they bloom.?
Thankyou for the thought June. I think customs would have something to say about that! I have found another place where we can pick our own pumpkins but only open at the weekend. So will go down after I finish work :) Will post a pic
Keith I would very much appreciate the information about White 14. It must be a fascinating place to visit. I would love to make a trip to Senegal one day it would be a dream for me :)
I spent some of my childhood in East Africa.
June they flower late August till September the flower for ages! The have died back now and the come up again in the spring. They come up through the snow and are quite tough!
Oh, about the star flowers I have only seen them for sale in seed packets as CYPRESS VINE.(Star flower is only my own name for them) They are available in "red" and in "mixed", which is red, pink and white. I always buy at least one packet of each, maybe two or more of the red as they are my favorite.
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These animals may not be "in the wild" but they are certainly spoiled, wouldn't you agree? How would you like to have an 8 million dollar swimming pool as yhese hippos will soon have.?
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What a beautiful photo. I believe this weekend the weather has been lovely in the north of England and Scotland. Not so down south where it is grey and damp!
Birdie's DU Summaries 2018 https://www.imagicat.com/